Chatteris Town Reserves 4-2 March Town Reserves: Lilies progress into North Cambs Junior Cup final thanks to thrilling extra-time success

Chatteris Town Reserves claimed their place in the final of the North Cambs Junior Cup - and the local bragging rights - thanks to an enthralling 4-2 victory over March Town Reserves last weekend.

Benji Brittin’s boys notched twice in extra time to book their place in the final of the competition, but it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Lilies, who were forced to come from behind to force an extra 30 minutes at West Street.

The Fenland and Cambs Division 1B rivals went into the tie five places apart, but it was the side lower down in the standings - Chatteris - who made the perfect start thanks to Jermaine Watson’s strike just two minutes in.

An Adam Conyard double either side of half time put the Hares in the ascendancy, but the teams were forced into extra-time after Dean Saunders’ lofted cross sailed into the net just after the hour.

James Harness smashed in a penalty to give the Lilies a slender lead after 104 minutes, before veteran Tony Brown chipped in an excellent fourth to conclude 120 minutes of frenetic action and to seal Chatteris’ passage into the final - the club’s fifth in just two years.

Boss Brittin told the club’s website: “I’m ecstatic for the boys. They put the effort and work in and it was a case that they wanted it the most.

“I’ve never seen the lads so keen for a game. The heart and desire proved dividends and they got what they deserved.

“Credit to March - they battled, but a goal either way in extra-time would have done the business.”

Chatteris will take on fellow Fenland rivals Whittlesey Athletic Reserves in the final on April 5.